There’s no denying that there is some truth in this adage (ask the mother of Michael Phelps!) but with the weather turning warmer and as outdoor activities become more appealing, let’s take a look at how that little bit extra can really make a difference.

First and foremost, swimming is NOT JUST a warm weather activity (as already discussed in previous articles) but in the warmer months we are generally more inclined to go to the beach or pool more often than we would in the winter months.For now, let’s just look at going to the aquatic centre once a week in addition to Duck and Dive classes.

Coming to swimming lessons weekly is a great way to set the foundation of learning to swim and a love of the water, but kids really benefit from repetition and practice. Getting your bubs into the pool an extra day a week and practicing what you have learnt is an essential way to assure you are getting the maximum benefit from your lessons. After all, we are teaching YOU to be your baby’s teacher.

So, what does an extra swim a week achieve?

• Skills start to cement themselves much quicker making progression & swimming independence much faster – just think of all the things you have taught your child or they have picked up by repetition.
• Kids also become much more confident in what they do know, and learn to understand what they are less comfortable with, which is an opportunity to focus on those skills.
• Let’s not forget you parents – you feel more comfortable pushing your little ones (a little more) and have the satisfaction of seeing how well they are progressing.
• Those youngsters who have the “water wobbles’ and may act up in class are more likely to start to settle down when you take them more often. This is true both for kids that are unsettled in the water and those that are misbehaving.
• Lastly, all the benefits of swimming like cognitive/motor skill development, fitness, water confidence etc are all improved.